my first visit to TMJ specialist - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Arleen · 05-21-2003, 09:12 PM

Hi All:

I think my current bite problems may be TMJ related (to the muscles) and I've got my first appointment with a TMJ specialist in 2 weeks - Dr. Sigesmund in Toronto. I have no idea if he's any good as I don't know anyone who's been to him. How will I be able to tell from my first visit? What should I expect him to do during that visit? Any advice would really be appreciated.

Thanks,
Arleen

Marlene · 05-22-2003, 09:05 AM

Hi Arleen,

I can only speak from my own experience with my first visit to my TMJ dentist. I was given a detailed TMJ Health Questionnaire to answer (very indepth). Range of Motion measurements were taken - how wide I could open, slide to left and right and whether or not there was deviation or deflection upon opening. He did Muscle Palpation of different muscles in my face and neck. I had several TMJ Xrays taken (Tomograms, Transcranials, Panoramic). My appointment was early in the morning, so I was able to go back that afternoon and he showed me the Xrays, and we discussed a proposed treatment plan. However, that was several years ago now. You may possibly have a second appointment for getting the necessary Xrays, etc. done.
Hope this gives you perhaps an "idea" of what to expect.

Marlene

There was an article about Dr. Sigesmund in the Mar.4/96 edition of the Toronto Star - maybe you can access it in their archives somehow?

[This message has been edited by Marlene (edited 05-22-2003).]

Arleen · 05-22-2003, 11:37 AM

Hi Marlene:

Thanks so much for your response. I'm a bit concerned as I haven't been able to find out anything about Dr. Sigesmund, and don't know anyone who's seen him. I've seen 13 dentists so far (periodontists, prosthedontist, orthodontist, oral pathologist, etc.). When I started this process, I trusted that dentists knew what they were doing. I've learned that that is so not the case. Not one of them even suggested TMJ as a possibility. Yet, since having 2 fillings done 18 months ago, I'm now grinding my teeth and my teeth no longer fit together properly - 2 TMJD symptoms.

Several dentists checked for TMJ problems, but none did the stuff you mentioned. They just had me open my mouth, checked the up and down and side to side movements (which were okay). I think my problems are the muscles, but nobody checked those.

Reading this board has been a real eye opener and educator, as I'd started out thinking TMJ problems related only to the jaw bow.

Thanks also for mentioning the article about Dr. Sigesmund, as I haven't been able to get any information about him. I'll go to the library and check their archives.

Best wishes,
Arleen

crystalll · 05-23-2003, 09:31 AM

Hi Arleen,

I just learned that Dr. Sigesmund trained under Dr. Rondeau (the dentist who treated Marlene and also treats me), so he should be pretty thorough.
Please keep us posted, because I would like to know more about Dr. Sigesmund as well. I've thought about contacting him but the long drive is an issue for me right now.

Best of luck!

Crystal

Arleen · 05-23-2003, 06:11 PM

Hi Crystal:

I see Dr. Sigesmund on June 5th. I'll try to remember to post to the board after my appointment and let everyone know what my first TMJ appointment was like, and if he made any suggestions.

Thanks,

Arleen